Project EDS-27(94), Floyd and Chattooga Counties, Widening of US 27/SR 1 P. I. No. 621070 Assessment of No Adverse Effect to the Scott Property and Averse Effect to the Scott Property and Adverse Effect to the Couey-Owings-Knowles House

This document has been prepared for use in completion of applicable Section 106 procedures in compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 and subsequent amendments. The survey and documentation have been developed in accordance with the GDOT/FHWA/GA SHPO Cultural Resource Survey

Guidelines and 36 CFR Part 800. As such, this document assesses the effects to cultural resources identified within the area of potential environmental effect of Project EDS-27(94), Floyd and Chattooga Counties.

The alignment for the proposed project was developed by the Location Bureau which, as a standard procedure, includes environmental parameters as a part of the location investigation prior to laying out a proposed alignment. Basic data of the corridor is gathered and studied. This data included, at a minimum, aerial photography, topographical maps, traffic (existing & projected), previous studies, wetland inventory maps, soil survey maps, flood plain maps, and DNR historic resource survey maps.

Wetland or hydric soil boundaries, flood plains, parks & recreational facilities, known or suspected historical and archaeological sites, existing rights-of-way, possible UST/landfill/hazardous waste facilites, and areas of possible endangered species habitat were delineated on the aerial photography prior to laying out an alignment. Also identified on the aerial photography are other "controls" such as churches, cemeteries, schools, hospitals, and any other noise sensitive areas.

Only at this point was the proposed alignment developed with every attempt being made to avoid sensitive ecological, historic and archaeological areas. In the event that avoidance was not possible, every attempt was made to minimize harm to such resources. The proposed alignment, once laid out on aerial photography, was then field checked and additional refinements were made to further minimize harm to both the natural and built environment.